The Gazette | Steve Dodson, February 5
Renewable energy is a practical, sustainable, and financially sound solution for communities like Hiawatha. Securing strong, stable funding can be a struggle for public schools, which typically rely heavily on property owners and local families to support the education of our youth. By introducing an all-of-the-above energy strategy, projects like the Duane Arnold Energy Center and the Duane Arnold Solar Project make a meaningful difference for our schools and our community.
Students in Hiawatha attend schools within the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Increased tax revenue from these projects supports these schools, along with infrastructure, public safety, and essential local services across the region. Clean power projects invest in local Iowa communities like ours, providing$76.4 million in tax revenue annually.
By accepting and implementing these clean technologies, Eastern Iowa has become a bit of a hub of energy innovation — from the REGEN Fiber wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Fairfax to the University of Iowa’s excellent sustainability practices. This leadership has positive effects that can be felt across the entire region.
During a time when the nation’s energy demand is greater than ever and growing faster than ever, a balanced and diverse energy mix is critically important. I am proud that the City of Hiawatha and surrounding communities are able to be at the precipice of Iowa’s renewable energy leadership.
I look forward to seeing the continued momentum in this industry and am grateful for the ways in which it keeps Iowa’s communities strong and vibrant.
Mayor Steve Dodson
Hiawatha
Read the original article here.